Jay Sekulow & ACLJ Say Iran Sentences American Pastor To Jail Because He Is Christian

Washington DC based, The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), which focuses on constitutional and human rights law said the action by an Iranian court convicting and sentencing American Pastor Saeed Abedini for his Christian faith is a travesty that sadly underscores Iran’s brazen violation of international law. In an unexpected development in Iran Judge Pir-Abassi of Branch 26 of the Iranian Revolutionary Court verbally convicted and sentenced Pastor Saeed to eight years in prison for threatening the national security of Iran through his leadership in Christian house churches.

“This is a real travesty — a mockery of justice,” said Jordan Sekulow, Executive Director of the ACLJ, who represents Pastor Saeed’s wife and children living in the U.S. “From the very beginning, Iranian authorities have lied about all aspects of this case, even releasing rumors of his expected release. Iran has not only abused its own laws, it has trampled on the fundamentals of human rights. We call on the citizens of the world to rise up in protest. We call on governments around the world to stand and defend Pastor Saeed.”

Pastor Saeed and his attorney were permitted to attend just one day of his trial, which began January 21st. They were barred from attending and participating in further proceedings. During his imprisonment, Pastor Saeed has been beaten and tortured raising serious concerns about his medical condition.

“The promise of his release was a lie,” said Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh:“We should not trust the empty words or promises put out by the Iranian government. These false hopes amount to psychological torture. You don’t want to trust them, but they build a glimmer of hope before the crushing blow. With today’s development I am devastated for my husband and my family. We must now pursue every effort, turn every rock, and not stop until Saeed is safely on American soil.”

ACLJ Executive Director Jordan Sekulow added:

“Here’s the troubling reality: we have a U.S. citizen, who has been beaten and tortured since his imprisonment last fall, is now facing eight years in Evin Prison, one of the most brutal prisons in Iran. A harsh sentence in a notorious prison — likely facing life-threatening torture and abuse at the hands of the Iranian regime. Simply because of his Christian faith.”

The ACLJ is providing legal representation to his U.S.-based family and working with various contacts in Iran on his case. Led by Chief Counsel: Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has affiliated offices in Israel, Russia, Kenya, France, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe.